On-line parts location and transaction system

Abstract

An integrated parts location and transaction system for original equipment manufacturer (OEM), non-OEM as well as aftermarket automobile parts is adapted to be integrated with business management computer system (BMS) software, currently used by automobile dealerships (210) as well as repair shops. All participating parts suppliers, including dealerships (210), and repair shops are networked together, for example, over a combination of public and private communication networks to enable participating parts suppliers and potential buyers (for example, dealers and repair shops) to easily and quickly locate as well as buy and sell parts from each other.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority and the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 253,689, filed on Nov. 28, 2000.COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX [0002] This application includes a Computer Listing Appendix on compact disc, hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] 1. Field of the Invention [0004] The present invention relates to an on-line parts location and transaction system which may be integrated directly into more comprehensive general business computer systems of target users, such as those, for example, in automobile dealerships and repair shops (collectively, “Business Management Systems”), to provide a virtual network which enables parts to be located, bought and sold on-line, quickly and efficiently from the various members in the network. [0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0006] Automobile parts suppliers, such as those who carry OEM, aftermarket (non-OEM), recycled or mechanical parts, s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Briefly, the present invention relates to an on-line parts location and transaction system, which may be used for original equipment manufacturer (OEM), non-OEM, as well as recycled automobile parts. The on-line parts location and transaction system in accordance with the present invention is adapted to be integrated with existing or legacy BMS software, currently used by automotive dealerships, as well as repair shops. All participating suppliers and vehicle repair shops are networked together, for example, over a combination of public and private communications networks, to enable participating parts suppliers and buyers to easily and quickly locate, as well as, buy and sell parts over a public or private communications network. The system has the capability of maintaining a central database of regularly-updated parts inventories for all participants.

Problems solved by technology

This task can be quite cumbersome and time consuming, depending upon the availability of the particular parts in the service area.

The practice of locating and buying the required parts is quite cumbersome and requires a lot of time by either the service technicians or parts personnel, as the case may be.

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